Latest news with #SunRecords
Spectator
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Spectator
It was drug addiction that killed for Elvis, not his greedy manager
Colonel Tom Parker (1909-97) was the man who ripped Elvis Presley off and worked him to death. That's the received wisdom about the person who managed the King from 1955 until his premature death, aged 42, in 1977. Peter Guralnick's book, written with full access to Parker's unpublished, witty, clever letters, now owned by the Elvis Archives, gives a more nuanced, sympathetic picture. The author is no biased sensationalist. His Elvis biography, Last Train to Memphis (1995), is one of the most serious and reliable. So, yes, Parker was a serial liar, not least when it came to his identity. Born Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk in humble circumstances in Holland, he fled, aged 16, to America and was then kicked out. He returned three years later, changing his name to Tom Parker. He married twice but never had children and did everything he could to reject his Dutch relations. And, yes, he did serve in the US Army, but only for two years – and never became a colonel. In 1948 he was made an honorary colonel in the Louisiana state militia and milked the empty title for the rest of his life. For more than 20 years he was an unknown carnival huckster, salesman, showman and dog-catcher. On his own admission, he was an expert at 'snowing' – his favourite word for pulling wool over people's eyes just short of conning them. He had become a successful Country & Western promoter when, in early 1955, he heard about a 20-year-old singer driving the girls nuts at smalltime Texas concerts. He signed up the young man, buying him out from Sam Phillips of Sun Records for $35,000 – the deal of the century, but still a hefty sum then. Parker was soon promoting his client: 'We have a new boy that is absolutely going to be one of the biggest things in the business in a very short time. His name is ELVIS PRESLEY.' Capital letters would be part of the non-stop promotion campaign thereafter. Elvis may have become the greatest rock star of all time, but that wasn't inevitable in 1955. The Colonel took a huge risk in devoting his professional life to him – Elvis soon became his only client. And the star was initially very grateful, writing to his manager: 'I say thanks and love you like a father.' Even so, the terms were exorbitant and near-extortionary – beginning at 25 per cent and later soaring to 50 per cent. There again, Parker secured lucrative deals – which benefited him, it's true, but also brought millions flowing into Presley's bank account. The original record deal with RCA was extremely generous – as were the contracts for the films, however trashy they became. When Elvis started appearing in Las Vegas and, in 1973, for Aloha from Hawaii, the live satellite TV show, Parker dictated the small print of contracts to keep the money coming in. And Elvis always had a share of the song publishing, meaning he profited if anyone else recorded them. The music side of things was left to Elvis, including the 1968 Comeback Special – when he reinvented himself after the numbing Hollywood years. The Colonel initially suggested that the Special be crammed with cheesy Christmas songs, but he quickly let it become the revolutionary, progressive show that Elvis wanted. He also made efforts (in vain) to rein in Elvis's munificence – and his freeloading friends the Memphis Mafia. In the end, drug addiction – or 'iatrogenic and volitional polypharmacy', as a hospital report put it – killed the King. But his admirable generosity also contributed to the lethal effect, making him desperate to keep touring to support his out-of-control spending. And the Colonel had his own reckless habit – at the Vegas casinos. So the wheel of fate creaked inexorably towards doom. Overweight and drugged to the eyeballs, the normally scrupulously polite Presley started abusing on stage his employers, the owners of the Las Vegas Hilton. Parker told him off – the only man who could – and they nearly parted ways, as their relationship deteriorated in 1973. But the huge compensation the Colonel demanded to break their deal meant that the two would be bound inextricably until the tragic end. After one incoherent concert in 1976, Parker wrote to his wife: 'Elvis didn't even recognise me. No one knows how much I miss the real Elvis. If only I knew how to bring him back. I miss my friend so much.' And then burst into tears. It's clear from this account that the Colonel adored Elvis – but loved money even more.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 Limited Delivers A Chic, Quick Electric Drive
'I don't sing like nobody,' Elvis Presley said when he walked into Sun Records in August 1953. You might say the same of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited but in terms of looks. My test car was white - my least favorite color - but it was still a beaut. In today's crowded auto market, that's a good thing. It also takes off like a shot and has sold well since its 2022 launch. Let's have a look. What's new for 2025? The Digital Green exterior paint color was dropped this year, and a head-up display was added to the Limited trim. Looks The Ioniq 6 has a sleek, low-slung, egg-like profile - almost Porsche-like. (Almost.) Its shape isn't just for show — according to Hyundai, the design reduces drag significantly. My tester came with 20-inch wheels that enhanced the upscale vibe. Square pixel lights adorn the rear LEDs and appear throughout the cabin. Inside Climb in and you'll find a modern, minimalist cabin. It's quiet, thanks to multiple layers of sound-deadening material. The front seats are comfortable and visibility is acceptable. Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom, though taller riders may find headroom tight due to the sloped roofline. The trunk is on the small side for a sedan. A pair of 12.3-inch displays — one for gauges, one for infotainment — dominate the dash. Hyundai's BlueLink system connects you with your phone, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included. I found the tech setup a bit more complex than it needed to be, but the audio system was above-average. Pricing The Ioniq 6 comes in four trims - the SE ($42,800) SEL ($45,600) and the Limited (tested) $51,100. Motor, and Drive Like its sibling, the Ioniq 5, the Ioniq 6 is offered in both single- and dual-motor configurations, paired with two battery options. The Long Range version boasts an EPA-estimated 361 miles — a standout figure for anyone prioritizing range in an EV. Behind the wheel, it delivers the quick, quiet acceleration you'd expect from an electric vehicle. It handles well in corners, and while you won't be heading to the track in one, there's enough pep when you need it. The ride is refined and restrained, contrasting the car's bold exterior. In the end,it's a sedan, not built for speed but providing a fast, fun experience nonetheless. Room for improvement The gear selector is a stalk on the steering column — but it's partially hidden behind the wheel, which makes it harder to find in a hurry and when you do find it, you have to twist it and remember "up is drive, down is reverse". Safety Standard safety features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and more. Warranty A 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty is offered as well as a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty and 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance. Conclusion: with a head-turning design that doesn't shout 'I'm electric!' and a long range that's among the best in the segment, the Ioniq 6 is a great example of an electric sedan done well.
Epoch Times
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
Risk to Reward: Hymns by Johnny Cash
Throughout the mid-1950s, country music dynamo Johnny Cash established himself as one of America's rising stars with hit singles like 'I Walk the Line.' Cash initially made a name for himself on the Sun Records roster. Headed up by producer Sam Phillips, the label took America by storm with its rockabilly sound and trailblazing artists like Carl Perkins. As much success as Cash had already had with Sun Records, he yearned for something different. Even during his initial auditions for Phillips, he played gospel songs. Though his first two albums had more raucous stylings, he continued to ask Phillips when he'd get the chance to record a gospel album.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rock and roll legends celebrated in Sun Records show at Concorde Club
A concert show endorsed by the Sun Entertainment Corporation is coming to Eastleigh. Sun Records, The Concert will be at The Concorde Club on May 18. The show is a tribute to the Memphis recording studio that discovered rock and roll pioneers such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison. Concert show producer Pete Tobit said: "Sun Records, The Concert takes the audience right inside the studio where the magic happened and lets the music do the talking." Show recreates legendary studio with authentic sound and style (Image: SJB Marketing) Tickets for the 8.30pm show are available from The show has been rehearsed in an exact replica of the Sun Recording studios and features the original musical instruments of the era. John Singleton, president of the Sun Entertainment Corporation, said: "Sun Records, The Concert captures that perfect imperfection perfectly – in a two-hour spectacular that'll leave you calling out for more."
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Local actor takes the stage at Historic Savannah Theatre
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — One night in 1956, musical history was made when an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together for the most incredible jam session. That event– known as the Million Dollar Quartet – will soon come to life again at the Historic Savannah Theater. The Tony Award-nominated show tells the mostly accurate story of what happened when these then-young performers (some details have been dramatized for entertainment purposes) came together at Sun Records studio in Memphis. Savannah Theater has put together a stellar cast and Zachary Tate – who was born and raised in Savannah – stars as Johnny Cash. 'I'm just so blessed to be able to do the show in Savannah, a town that I love with my whole heart. I think it's going to be a great time for everybody. This is my first time music directing the show, so I'm excited to have a little bit more creative freedom in that regard with the music.' First time as music director, but not his first time with 'Million Dollar Quartet.' This is his tenth production of the show, so he knows each character inside and out. 'I've done what's called 'swinging,' which is when you cover multiple roles. I've portrayed Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley.' Zachary says this show has something for everyone, whether you grew up listening to the Million Dollar Quarter or not. 'I think [the show] for all ages, especially folks who were around when these guys were playing music and maybe got a chance to see Elvis or Johnny Cash in person and they want to relive that…to go back to their childhood and feel like a kid again. And then for younger folks who maybe aren't as familiar with these musicians, I think there's a lot for them too, because I know our lives have been just greatly moved by these artists.' 'Million Dollar Quartet' isn't just actors singing songs. It is a true musical revue. Tate says, 'You're not just hearing the music. You're learning the story of that fateful night in music history. 'People are drawn to the big names like Elvis, Cash, Perkins and Lewis. But you get to know who Sam Phillips is too.' (Philips was the owner of Sun Records who brought the musicians together for the session.) 'If Elvis is the king of rock and roll, Phillips is the father of rock and roll.' As a Savannahian, it's not lost on Tate how special it is bringing this show to the Historic Savannah Theater. 'This is the first time that I've gotten to work professionally here in Savannah. It's awesome to be home, especially with such an awesome show.' Get ready to sing and dance in the aisles at the Historic Savannah Theater when Zachary Tate and the talented cast of 'Million Dollar Quartet' take the stage beginning April 10th. Get your tickets here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
